Definitive Guide to Sex Dolls: FAQs, Maintenance, and Use

There's no denying that buying a sex doll is a real thrill - but there are a few practical considerations that go hand-in-hand with the fun you'll have.

In this guide, we'll take a detailed look at some of the things you'll need to think about as a new sex doll owner - including:

• The different types of sex dolls available
• How your sex doll will work
• Some maintenance and care tips

We'll also answer some frequently asked questions about female sex dolls. When you've finished exploring this guide, you'll have all the information you need to make sex doll ownership an amazing addition to your sex life!

What is a Sex Doll?

A sex doll is a life-like, anatomically-correct toy that's designed to replicate the sensations of sex with a real partner.

If you associate the sex doll industry with the kind of blow-up doll you might find at a rowdy frat party, you might be in for a surprise. Today, some high-quality sex dolls are almost indistinguishable from a real person. And, with your eyes closed, the ultra-realistic skin of a TPE or silicone sex doll feels just like touching real skin.

Of course, it's not just the look and the feel of the skin that makes sex dolls such popular toys. Whichever doll you choose, it will have highly-detailed and exceptionally life-like textured vaginal and anal openings for you to enjoy. Depending on the design you choose, many will also have a soft mouth - complete with all the internal textures needed to replicate the most fantastic oral sex.

If you're thinking about buying your first sex doll, you'll almost certainly have a fantasy in mind that you'd like to play out. This is where the fine details of life-size sex dolls are important. With the right doll, you'll be able to dress and accessorize her however you wish - getting her ready for the kind of sexual encounter most people can only daydream about.

While sex dolls tend to be associated with pure lust, there are actually many diverse reasons people choose to add a sex doll to their sex life.

We've explored many of these reasons in our Best Sex Dolls of Guide - but it's worth revisiting one important one here; helping with the symptoms of premature ejaculation. We'll look at this subject in more detail in our frequently asked questions section - but suffice to say, many men are successfully using real sex dolls to help deal with premature ejaculation and enhance other areas of their sex life.

Types of Sex Dolls

Sex dolls come in a huge range of shapes, sizes, materials, and themes - each carefully crafted around different sexual fantasies. Most fit into certain categories - which can be helpful if you're shopping around and want to narrow potential products down.

Understanding the different types available will help you choose one that's right for you.

Sex Dolls by Format

Sex Dolls by Material

Now we've looked at the different styles of sex dolls that are popular, there are the materials dolls are made from to think about.

Different materials could have an impact on the kind of play you can enjoy together - so it's a good idea to understand some of the properties of silicone, TPE, and TPR - to see what each material is suitable for.

Silicone Dolls

You won't be surprised to find that silicone dolls are made from silicone - a man-made polymer that is extremely heat resistant and generally has a matt, rubbery feel, and consistency.

• Suitable Lubricant(s) - TPE is only suitable for use with water-based lubricants. The composition of oil and silicone based lubes can cause the material to deteriorate.

Pros and Cons of Silicone Dolls

Pros

Hypoallergenic

Flexible and soft

Durable

Odorless

Non-porous

Very good at transmitting vibrations

Waterproof silicone toys can be sterilized at high temperatures for cleaning

Will not stain if used with clothing or make-up

Cons

The most expensive sex toy material

Not all silicone is suitable for use with silicone lube

Silicone will often tear if it's snagged on anything sharp.

TPE Dolls

TPE is a shortened version of the term 'Thermoplastic Elastomer' - a man-made combination of rubber and plastic. TPE has some of the best properties of both rubber and plastic - with a smooth matt feel and ultra-flexible consistency.

• Suitable Lubricant(s) - TPE is only suitable for use with water-based lubricants.  The composition of oil and silicone based lubes can cause the material to deteriorate.

Pros and Cons of TPE Dolls

Pros

Does not contain phthalates - TPE is soft enough without these plasticizers

Tough and durable

Suitable for people with latex allergies

Cost-effective

Transmits vibrations very well

Retains body heat well.

Cons

Slightly porous - so needs to be cleaned thoroughly

Cannot be sterilized at high heat

Some blends are not completely hypoallergenic

Use water-based lube only

 TPR Dolls

TPR is short for 'Thermoplastic Rubber' - a man-made blend of rubber and plastic that's very similar to TPE. Some guides will put TPE and TPR in the same category - but there are subtle differences.

TPR is slightly more porous than TPE - but often feels a little more dense and heavy.

• Suitable Lubricant(s) -  Like TPE, TPR is only suitable for use with water-based lubricants.Silicone and oil-based lubes can cause the material to deteriorate, shortening the life of your doll.

Pros and Cons of TPR Dolls

Pros

No need for plasticizers means TPR is free from any phthalates

Durable and hardwearing

Retains body heat well

More cost-effective than other materials-Very good at transferring vibrations.

Cons

Only suitable for water-based lube

Not suitable for sterilization

Some blends may not be hypoallergenic

Slightly porous properties mean toys have to be thoroughly cleaned after use.

How Do Sex Dolls Work?

Given how life-like sex dolls are, there's no single way to make them work for you. In fact, versatility is the name of the game with a sex doll.

Take the most basic sex doll design for example - a booty doll.

Like other sex dolls, this kind of doll usually has a firm inner core that gives a life-like firmness to the toy - with soft silicone, TPR, or TPE skin material surrounding it. Given the life-like requirements of sex doll fans, the vagina, ass, and other womanly features the doll possesses are sculpted to look as real as possible.

You might think that the design of a booty doll like this only lends itself to doggy-style sex - but this really isn't the case. Sure, this design of doll is great fun to position on your bed and penetrate from behind - but you can also turn it over for a 'legs up missionary' position - or even lay back and enjoy the weight of the doll on top of you, moving her up, down and around with your hands.

All this is before you've even considered that you have both vaginal and anal sex options to explore. Chances are, it'll be a long time before you need additional ways to play - and don't forget, we're talking about the most basic shape here.

So, when you work your way into larger, even more, lifelike dolls, you're unlocking countless variations of play. With a full-size life-like doll, you can enjoy everything from soft hand and foot jobs through to oral, anal, and vaginal sex.

To qualify as a 'sex doll' - the toy should be life-like, life-size, and have at least one hole you can penetrate. Of course, there are plenty of male dolls on the market too - again, these tend to be made for anal penetration with an attached dildo if you want to reserve those roles.

In short, the best sex dolls are designed so they can almost entirely fulfill the role of a partner in your sex life. Therefore, if there's something you daydream about your partner doing, your sex doll will be able to fulfill that role.

Sex Dolls Maintenance and Care Tips

If you've browsed our list of the best sex dolls, you might have noticed that we've talked about renewal powders and rejuvenation products. These are part of keeping your doll in pristine condition - but they're not the only care they're going to need.

If you want to make sure your doll is in the best possible condition for your sessions together, you'll need to consider the following points:

1. Make sure you choose the right lube

Lubrication is essential when playing with a doll. However, the first and most important rule when it comes to looking after your doll is to choose the right kind of lube.

Generally speaking, oil-based lubes are a no-no. The oils that are used to create these lubes are perfect for masturbation and massages - but they can break down the molecular bonds in silicone and TPR/TPE sex dolls. The damage won't be instantly noticeable - but it's likely that it will significantly shorten the life of your doll.

Some silicone sex dolls are compatible with silicone lubes - but water-based is always the safest bet. Don't worry though, there are some fantastic water-based products out there - including warming lubes that add a real lifelike heat when you slip inside your doll.

We'll explore lubrication in more detail next (including our favorite kinds!) - but it's an important factor to think about when it comes to maintenance.

2. Pick additional products carefully

Sex dolls have a huge community of fans online - and many people like to dress, make up, and even modify their dolls to suit their specific needs and tastes.

Realistic sex dolls will often suit products that are meant to be used on people (clothes, make-up, wigs, etc) - but these products don't always work with your sex doll's materials. You might find that tight clothing leaves marks - or makeup products do chemical damage.

Be very careful when you choose accessories or products for your doll. Ideally you should always shop for products that have been designed specifically for dolls. If you're not sure, do some research - there are plenty of like-minded people out there - and the internet is a good place to stay anonymous if you'd rather not share your tastes with people you know.

3. Be thorough with post-use cleaning

As humans, we've got the convenience of hopping in a quick shower after sex - and even if some fluids remain, the vagina, mouth, and anus do a good job of cleaning themselves with naturally-occurring enzymes.

Unfortunately, sex dolls don't have this luxury - so they need to be cleaned thoroughly after a session to make sure they don't become degraded or unclean.

For some dolls, gentle anti-bacterial soap and warm water will suffice - as long as you make sure everywhere internally is clean. However, some dolls will need more specialist sex-toy cleaners - and may need your shower head to make sure everything is flushed out.

Don't cut corners on cleaning. Not only will an unclean toy break down much quicker than a clean one, but there's also the chance of bacteria lingering - which can be transferred back to you, leading to UTIs and other bugs and illnesses.

4. Choose good renewal products

Renewal products are widely available in stores that stock sex toys - and they're a crucial part of keeping your toy feeling fantastic.

The kind of silicone and TPE materials that are used to make sex dolls aren't as tough as the typical silicone that's used to make kitchen utensils. They're generally much softer - which is great news when it comes to sex - but it does mean they need more care.

Renewing or 'rejuvenating' products are typically a type of very fine powder. When your toy is clean and dry, you'll apply the powder from a talc-shaker-style tub and make sure there's a thin coat covering the parts you've cleaned (and possibly the full doll - depending on manufacturer instructions).

Don't panic, renewal powders are typically less than $10 - and they last a long time. It's a small investment but it'll keep your doll feeling and smelling great for years to come!

In-Depth: What Lubricant Should I Use with My Sex Doll?

We've touched on suitable lubricants already in this guide - but it's very important to be careful where you look for advice on the best lubricants to use with sex dolls.

Why?

Well, lots of people share 'anecdotal evidence' as if it were scientific facts. They'll swear that they never had a problem using baby oil or massage oil with their doll - despite the fact they're very hard to clean properly (and could therefore encourage bacteria and infection) and could be doing invisible damage to their expensive doll.

So, if you're looking for a scientific answer - water-based lube is what you need.

Why Shouldn't You Use Silicone or Oil-Based Lube With Sex Dolls?

To understand why water-based lube is the best choice, it's useful to understand what oil and silicone lube do when they come into contact with most sex dolls.

Most silicone lubes will create a very slight chemical reaction when they come into contact with TPE, TPR, or silicone. It's not noticeable to the naked eye - but over time they'll cause the surface to become more porous - meaning waterproofing is compromised and there will be more uneven surfaces for bacteria to hide in.

As the material degrades, so does the feel of your doll - and eventually, you'll find that it's much more prone to splitting or tearing.

Similar can be said of oil-based lubricants. They'll penetrate the material your doll is made of and shorten her life. What's more, oil does not mix with water - so cleaning your doll (especially internally) becomes very difficult to do effectively. Again, this means you're way more likely to end up with nasty bacteria hanging around - which is never good.

Choose a Water-Based Lubricant

So, if water-based lube is the name of the game, how do you choose a good one?

The beauty of water-based lubes is the wide variety available - from warming lubes to flavored options, there's plenty to choose from.

In the past, people complained that water-based products dried up much quicker than oil or silicone choices. Today though, many water-based products last just as long as oil-based alternatives - without any of the downsides. So, if you're a fan of long sessions, just check a few reviews to make sure the lube you're considering stands the test of time. Don't forget, water-based lube is cost-effective too - so you won't feel too bad even if you do have to reapply.

Lots of sex doll owners opt for a water-based product that's got a 'warming' ingredient added to it too. This is an amazing way to take your sex play to an even more realistic level - as it replicates the warm feeling you get as you slip inside a real partner. Add some warming lube to your penis before penetration and by the time you're inside your doll, the sensation will be almost indistinguishable from real sex.

If you have any doubt about the kind of lube to use, don't be afraid to check with the lubricant retailer or the sex doll manufacturer - it's better to double-check than end up wasting money on a product that's not suitable.

In-Depth: How to Store Your Sex Doll

Whether you're a single person or part of a busy family, it's unlikely that your sex doll is going to be out on display in your home - so it's important to think about where and how Silicone Dollsyou'll store it.

Consider these helpful tips before you choose your doll's storage space:

1. Follow Manufacturer Recommendations

Manufacturers will generally offer good guidelines that relate to the storage of your doll. It's in their best interests to make sure your doll stays in good condition - not least because they will generally offer a warranty so you're protected if things go wrong.

Storage recommendations will differ depending on the type of doll and the material it's made of. Sometimes, sex doll makers will also include a storage box or bag that's been specially designed to keep your doll in pristine condition.

Whatever the recommendations suggest, it's a good idea to stick to them. In some instances, manufacturers could refuse to honor a warranty claim if your doll's not been kept as it should. If in doubt, call or email your retailer or the manufacturer directly - most are happy to offer advice!

2. Think about privacy

Our sex lives are private - so chances are you'll want to keep your sex doll somewhere that reflects this level of privacy.

Privacy and suitability are a tricky balance though. It might be that your garage or attic is private - but it's unlikely to be the right kind of conditions to keep your doll at its best.

Rather than opt for somewhere that offers privacy at the expense of the perfect conditions, you might be able to find somewhere that's a balance of both.

Some sex doll manufacturers will offer specialist lockable bags or boxes that can be hidden in plain sight. A lockable box that slides neatly under your bed or into a closet is the perfect solution.

Of course, you might be handy around the home and able to construct something yourself. If you opt for this option, make sure you don't neglect to pad the inside the box. As you've seen, some sex dolls can weigh the same as a small person - so resting all that weight on a hard surface might damage or leave indentations in the soft material that's used to make your doll.

Some dolls are even designed to be stored and hung up for this reason. If this is the case, a sturdy rail in a locked closet can work perfectly too. It's not at all uncommon for a bedroom closet or cupboard to be locked - so hopefully a discreet lock wouldn't arouse any unwanted curiosity from other people who might be in your home.

3. Be careful with limbs

If you have a doll with limbs, you'll often find that storage guidelines suggest making sure those limbs aren't bent when the doll is stored.

This can be tricky - as you'll essentially need a full human-sized box for storage. However, by making sure the arms and legs are relaxed, you'll preserve the shape of your doll for years to come - avoiding damage to its soft skin.

4. Always think about storage cleanliness

We've already touched on the importance of cleanliness after you've used your doll - but making sure it lives in a clean storage space is also extremely important.

Even though they're things that often aren't noticeable to us, things like dampness, dust, mold, or even drafts can affect the life of your doll - not least because they can encourage pests that could damage your toy.

It's not always unclean areas or items that can impact the cleanliness of your doll either. If your doll is in a closet, it's vital to make sure there are no items of clothing that could stain your toy. Again, they're not things we notice much - but clothing like denim jeans can transfer dye onto other surfaces, leaving your otherwise beautiful sex doll stained for good.

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Sex Dolls FAQs

Buying a sex doll is likely to be a significant purchase. As such, it's absolutely normal to have some questions.

We've listed some of the most commonly asked sex doll FAQs here:

Can sex dolls help with premature ejaculation?

As we mentioned earlier in this guide, one of the most popular reasons for buying a sex doll is the benefits that one can offer if you're struggling with premature ejaculation.

Sex dolls are one of the best ways to 'train' your penis so you can last longer when you have sex with a partner.

The method is surprisingly simple - you'll build resistance in a similar way you would with any other kind of exercise.

You can start by enjoying your doll in whichever way you prefer. As you feel yourself getting close to orgasm, you should slow down (or stop) until you feel that hyper-sensitive feeling at ease a little. When you feel you can carry on without ejaculating, you can up your speed again - repeating the process until you feel you're managing to go a little longer each time.

Again, developing this is like developing any other kind of fitness - the more you practice, the longer you'll typically be able to go before you can't fight the feeling anymore. One of the biggest benefits of doing this with a doll is the high level of stimulation that the life-like experience offers.

Of course, you might wonder if a sex doll is worth the extra money when you can buy a male masturbator for significantly less. The answer to that question really depends on you. It's worth thinking about the differences though - many guys have no problem with staying power when they're masturbating - but it's a different story when they're with a real partner.

According to the Mayo Clinic, anxiety about sexual performance often goes hand-in-hand with premature ejaculation. You might not be anxious about using your favorite masturbator - but a sex doll is a more life-like experience, and can therefore help you learn to calm your nerves for real encounters.

What is the difference between TPE and Silicone?

We've explored the differences between TPE and silicone sex dolls in detail above - but as a quick-glance answer, you'll see differences in two main areas: feel and cost.

Silicone and TPE dolls feel slightly different against your skin. People often say that silicone sex dolls have a slightly more luxurious feel - but, since they're often significantly more expensive than TPE dolls, it's really down to you to decide whether or not that different feel is worth the price difference.

In fact, people who are driven by how a doll feels don't exclusively opt for silicone dolls - as TPE offers some unique benefits too. It's personal of course - but TPE dolls are often considered to have more life-like skin properties when it comes to flexibility. The specialist blends of TPE used in the sex doll industry are often very 'pliable' - meaning they stretch and bend in more realistic ways than silicone.

So, which one is right for you? You're going to have a fantastic time with all high-quality sex dolls - so perhaps think about what's a comfortable budget first. If that opens the door to TPE and silicone, you might want to see if you can get samples or see how both materials feel on other sex toys - then make your decision from there.

How can you dispose of a sex doll discreetly?

It might not be something you're thinking of when you're considering buying a sex doll - but a time may come when your sex doll is no longer used or circumstances mean it's not practical to keep her.

So, what do you do?

Selling a sex doll

It might surprise you to find out that there's a large community of people who'll happily buy sex dolls, even if they're pre-owned.

Take a look at sex doll community groups and forums and see if there's a marketplace.

Obviously, your doll will be much more appealing if you've kept it in good condition - but the nature of silicone and TPE means it's fairly easy to get a doll completely clean and safe for someone else to use.

You might not get a lot for a pre-owned doll - but selling it to someone else means you don't have to deal with any other kind of disposal.

Repairing or Recycling your sex doll

If you're disposing of your doll because her condition is degrading, you might want to look into repair services. Talking to the manufacturer is a good place to begin here - they'll know if it's possible to fix your doll and individuals or companies that offer the service.

If it's definitely time to just dispose of your doll, then you may even find that the manufacturer knows of specialist recycling facilities who take her and give some of her components new life elsewhere.

Putting a sex doll in the trash (carefully)

Putting your doll out with the trash is probably the least ideal method on this list - but it is effective if there's no other way.

Needless to say, there are lots of good reasons not to just sit her on the top of your trash can - so think about carefully bagging it up in heavy-duty garden or rubble sacks to make sure they don't split. If you've got neighborhood waste facilities - perhaps consider taking her there with other items of trash.

Having a sex doll is nothing to be embarrassed about, but disposing of your doll should probably be done discreetly - not everyone is as open-minded as they should be!

Can I dress my sex doll?

Yes, you can definitely dress your sex doll. By doing so, you can act out a huge range of different scenarios - adding depth to your fantasies and play.

That said, you do need to be a little bit careful about how your dress your companion.

The extra consideration needed is down to how real skin and sex doll skin differ. Even though manufacturers have done an outstanding job of recreating the feel of real skin - there are still some differences in how artificial skin reacts to things it comes into contact with.

The first thing you need to think about is any potentially sharp points or edges. For example, lots of bras are 'underwired' - meaning they contain a thin piece of steel wire that helps them keep their cup shape. If a bra underwire gets dislodged while on a real person, it might feel uncomfortable against the skin or snag a sweater - but it could easily pierce your doll's soft skin.

The same can be said of other metallic or sharp objects - think buttons, sequins, and especially jewelry.

You should also think about which fabrics might stain your doll's skin. TPE/TPR and silicone can stain and collect fine sediment easily - so it's a good idea to avoid:

• Jeans (and other denim items)
• Real and faux leather
• Latex
• Wool (wool doesn't stain - but it does drop fibers that are VERY hard to get off)

As long as you avoid those and other heavily pigmented garments then you should be safe - and free to let your imagination run wild and act out any fantasy you've got in mind! Of course, there are clothing manufacturers that specialize in outfits for sex dolls - so if you're in any doubt, shopping with a dedicated clothing provider is a great idea.

How long do sex dolls usually last?

Like anything, the lifespan of your sex doll is going to depend on how well you look after it - but you can expect 2-10 years on average, depending on the quality of the doll.

The first factor that will change how long your doll lasts is how often she's moved and used. You can expect a doll that's used once a week to last much longer than a doll that shares your bed every night.

That said, care and maintenance are another big factors in deciding how long a doll will last. A well-cleaned, stored, and maintained doll will last much longer than one that is thrown back in the closet and forgotten about - even if the well-maintained doll is used more frequently.

Storage is another crucial factor too. Your doll will always come with manufacturer guidelines around the best storage practices. Keep your doll away from anything that might mark or damage her and you'll have a doll that will last you for years to come.

How much do sex dolls cost?

Thanks to the huge variation of sex dolls on the market, you can spend anywhere between $40 and $cd-quality doll.

Now, there is a difference between what you get for $40 and a few thousand - but spending more doesn't necessarily mean you'll get more pleasure.

At the cheaper end of the scale, you can expect a 'booty' or 'torso' doll. As the names suggest, these won't have posable limbs and the other features a life-size doll might have - but they still provide a realistic experience and are an amazing place to start if you're looking for your first sex doll.

As your budget grows, so does the list of features you'll get. At around $400, you can expect a more realistic torso doll - often with soft life-like breasts and a head with a mouth opening. At this level, some additional features might come into play - such as vibrating or gyrating motors for instance.

The most realistic sex dolls - ones with posable limbs and the most life-like features - tend to start around $2,000. For this kind of investment, you can expect the most realistic experience - the full weight of a female partner, multiple carefully molded holes for you to enjoy oral, vaginal, and anal sex - along with the ability to dress and accessorize your new bed mate.

While a full-size realistic sex doll might be the daydream for many guys - most people don't start their sex doll journey will a full-size companion. Instead, they find a good quality doll that fits their budget - then they'll decide whether they enjoy the experience as much as they thought they would. At this stage, you can start thinking about whether to invest in something even more realistic...

Are sex dolls legal?

Unfortunately, many media outlets work with hidden agendas - which means slightly taboo subjects like sex dolls can attract unfair criticism or even the implication that they're not legal to own.

The truth is simple though - sex dolls are legal to buy, sell, and own across the United States and most other Western countries.

That said, there are some ethical areas where good sex doll manufacturers and retailers will draw an important line. No reputable retailer will sell a doll that resembles anyone under the age of consent and there are Congressional amendments currently tabled that will prevent the import of any such doll.

While some people might see the subject of sex dolls and sex toys in general as taboo - the truth is very different. Sex toys are mainstream and represent a global market size of over $37 billion. Sex dolls are an important part of that market and are perfectly legal to buy and own - with mainstream manufacturers that all contribute to the US economy.

How can I be sure I'm buying a high-quality sex doll?

Sex dolls tend to be some of the more expensive male sex toys on the market. Sadly, this means there are a lot of inferior, lower-cost dolls available that don't have the same rigorous build quality and premium materials.

The question is, how can you be sure you're buying a product that will perform well and last as it should?

The Final Say on Buying a Sex Doll

By taking on board the advice in this guide to sex dolls, you've saved yourself countless hours reading and digesting information shared by sex doll owners and manufacturers across the internet. In fact, it's fair to say you're ready and qualified to do an outstanding job of choosing and enjoying your first doll!Sex dolls are an amazing kind of sex toy that fulfill needs and desires that many other toys just can't.

Of course, the materials and resulting product that offer the life-like experience need a little more care and attention than a pocket masturbator - you'll need to think about using the right lube, getting the cleaning just right, and making sure you have suitable storage space. However, if you do, you can expect a sex experience that some people claim is even better than sex with a real partner!

Beyond the practical considerations needed, sex dolls also give you an opportunity to indulge in play that's beyond anything you've done with another person. If you feel like your sex life could just do with a helping hand to help you reach those amazing fantasies you thought you could only dream of playing out - a sex doll will take you there... and beyond!